5 of the best coffee shops in Dundee

With the weather as changeable as ever in Dundee, there’s no time like the present for a good cuppa and a delicious bake – but where are the best coffee shops?

Dundee is home to a multitude of cafes and coffee houses, but when it comes to perfect barista skills and mouth-watering craft baking, there are a few hidden gems that go above and beyond.

From cute, quaint venues to those offering something a little more unusual, the five Dundee coffee shops we’ve picked below stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons – they’re simply the best.

Empire State Artisan Roasters

Ideally located in the heart of the city, Empire State Artisan Roasters on Whitehall Crescent is the place to go for a well-made brew.

Add in a whole variety of freshly baked goods and you’re on to a winner when it comes to looking for a spot for coffee and cake in Dundee.

A bake from from Empire State Coffee, one of the best coffee shops in Dundee. — Bakes from Empire State Coffee, Dundee. Image: Empire State Coffee.

Why not try out their pastry and bakes selection, which can include anything from cinnamon scrolls (cinnamon rolls with a scone influence) to Italian apple pie, Bakewell tarts, chocolate tarts, cheesecakes, cakes and more.

Address: 28 Whitehall Crescent, Dundee, DD1 4AY

The Flame Tree Cafe

This Australian-inspired independent cafe on Exchange Street is a popular haunt with Dundonians and tourists alike.

Open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday, it is a great place to get your brunch and lunch fix.

It’s a great spot in Dundee to meet friends for coffee and cake (or a scone, croissant, waffles – the list is endless!).

Dundee's most colourful bagel is available at the Flame Tree Cafe. — Dundee’s most colourful bagel is available at the Flame Tree Cafe. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson.

They also serve up their well-known rainbow bagels which are quite often seen on Instagram accounts across Dundee.

Address: 20 Exchange St, Dundee, DD1 3DL

Dundee Espresso Lab

This cosy venue is a popular spot for grabbing a coffee and cake in Dundee.

The Commercial Street venue has plenty of speciality coffee to choose from and enough bakes to keep any hungry Dundonian satisfied.

Cakes and pastries available at Dundee Espresso Lab, including the red velvet cake, strawberry cannoli and nutella mille foglie. Image: Dundee Espresso Lab.

They serve homemade cakes, focaccia, and other traditional Italian desserts, including creamy cannolis.

Address: 31 Commercial St, Dundee DD1 3DA

Braw Tea

For a mouth-watering selection of cakes – and delicious Modern Standard coffee – you need to add Braw Tea in Broughty Ferry to you list.

This community-focused café supports a full female staff, helping those from challenging backgrounds enter the workplace.

Jackie McKenzie, founder of café Braw Tea helps assemble a cake. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson.

Their bakes are perfectly moreish, and it’s ideal for getting a takeaway to scoff on Broughty Ferry beach.

Address: F47H+MV, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 2HA

Black Mamba

While Black Mamba, popular tapas spot on Dundee’s Nethergate, may be best known for its savoury offering, they also serve a range of coffee and cakes.